Defence Minister Pays Tribute at the War Memorial on the most Prestigious Day of Vijay Diwas
India’s history which has been written with the valiant and heroic blood of Indian soldiers who sacrificed their incomparable lives for their motherland. And one of the important days in the Indian history post freedom is the “1971 War – Victory against Pakistan”. Every year on December 16 India celebrates the courageous sacrifice of soldiers which ensured India as a regional power.
“1971 War” – Cause, War and Triumph
- The Bengali Liberation Movement broke out on March 16, 1971 at the then East Pakistan (now Bangladesh).
- The then Indian PM Indira Gandhi supported the movement when it began to become a humanitarian crisis.
- India fought against the Pakistan Armed forces from December 3, 1971.
- Both on land and from the Air Indian daunted the Pakistan Armed forces with 120 soldiers, and the advanced weapon systems including Vidyut Class boats, T-55 tanks, MIG-21 aircrafts, INS Vikrant, 75/24 artillery guns.
- India’s continuous powerful strategy forced the Pakistan Army led by Lt.Gen Amir Abdullah Khan Niazi to surrender with his 93,000 troops on December 16, 1971.
- The war lasted for 13 days which took irreplaceable lives of 3,843 Indian soldiers.
- It is reported that during this war around ten million people from the now Bangladesh fled to India as refugees.
Tribute of National Leaders To The ‘Brave Hearts’
“Today, on Vijay Diwas, we honour the courage and sacrifices of the brave soldiers who contributed to India’s historic victory in 1971. Their selfless dedication and unwavering resolve safeguarded our nation and brought glory to us. This day is a tribute to their extraordinary valour and their unshakable spirit. Their sacrifices will forever inspire generations and remain deeply embedded in our nation’s history” – PM Narendra Modi
